Arsenal is facing a new injury setback as star defender William Saliba has picked up a fresh injury that could potentially rule him out of the upcoming Premier League clash against Bournemouth. Saliba, who has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup this season, recently recovered from a significant back problem that sidelined him for the latter part of the 2022/23 campaign. However, his availability for the Bournemouth game is now in doubt due to this new setback.
The Frenchman missed the Carabao Cup clash against Brentford earlier in the week, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saliba had sustained a knock. Arteta also mentioned that there are injury concerns for other key players, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Fabio Vieira, who have all picked up injuries in the past week. The availability of these players for the Bournemouth match remains uncertain, and late decisions will be made regarding their involvement.
Injury Woes Put Arsenal’s Depth to the Test
Last season, such an injury crisis would have been a significant blow to Arsenal. However, the club’s business in the summer transfer window and the emergence of several fringe players have strengthened their depth, which could prove crucial in overcoming the current injury challenges.
Players like Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Reiss Nelson have shown their readiness to step up when called upon. In the recent mid-week victory over Brentford, this trio showcased their abilities, with Tomiyasu notably replacing Saliba in the center of the defense. This suggests that Saliba’s absence against Bournemouth could be a possibility, but Arsenal’s depth might help mitigate the impact of these injuries.
Details of Saliba’s Injury Revealed
While the extent of injuries to players like Saka and Rice remains uncertain, more information has emerged regarding William Saliba’s condition. According to reports from the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel, Saliba’s injury is related to his foot. Fortunately, it appears that this issue may not be as severe as initially feared. Unlike Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes, who recently suffered a foot injury expected to sideline him for three months, Saliba’s injury does not seem to be of the same magnitude.
Foot injuries often result from impacts rather than muscular problems, which might suggest a more manageable situation for Saliba. However, as Arsenal prepares for a crucial week of fixtures, including the match against Bournemouth, the club will carefully assess the fitness of Saliba and other injured players to make informed decisions about their participation.
